Significance of Wicked men
Wicked men, as described across various traditions, encompass individuals engaging in immoral or harmful actions motivated by negative traits or positions of power. Jainism identifies them as those like Namuci who fear retribution, while Dharmashastra highlights their harmful behaviors and tendency to commit offenses. In Vaishnavism, figures like Duryodhana exemplify these traits, and in Purana, wicked men disrupt social harmony and often act with a corrupt understanding. Collectively, these definitions underscore the societal impact of wickedness and its recognition across spiritual texts.
Synonyms: Knaves, Rogues, Evil men, Immoral men
In Dutch: Boze mannen; In Finnish: Pahoja miehiä; In Spanish: Hombres malvados
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Wicked men'
In Buddhism, "wicked men" are interpreted as cruel individuals who perform harmful deeds, embodying negative qualities that lead to suffering for themselves and others, fostering a cycle of negative karma and reinforcing moral decline.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) Refers to the cruel individuals who engage in harmful deeds.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Wicked men'
In Hinduism, wicked men are defined as those engaging in immoral actions, often facing severe consequences. They disrupt social harmony, possess misguided understanding, and are influenced by negative traits and harmful behaviors, particularly under Saturn's rule.
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Individuals with immoral intentions or actions.[2] (2) Individuals with immature understanding who are unable to recognize true principles and often criticize moral teachings.[3] (3) Individuals who provide counsel that leads to immoral or harmful decisions, influencing Dhritarashtra.[4] (4) Individuals who disrupt social harmony and seek to harm others, typically arising in the absence of a protective king.[5] (5) Refers to individuals with sinful habits, including those who regard sensual gratification as the purpose of life, are self-conceited, boast about gifts, never spend, are weak-minded, self-admiring, or who hate their own wives.[6]
From: Padma Purana
(1) Refers to potential threats towards Araja, emphasizing the dangers faced by women in the narrative.[7] (2) Individuals who engage in sinful activities but can become free from sins by bathing at the confluence.[8] (3) Individuals who engage in harmful behaviors such as lying and insulting others, which leads them to hell.[9]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Individuals who act immorally, represented by having a reduced obligation of four bullocks compared to a virtuous man.[10]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) Individuals engaged in evil acts, lacking understanding of higher truths.[11]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Individuals who engage in immoral or sinful actions and are often rewarded in a corrupted context.[12]
From: Linga Purana
(1) Individuals considered sinful and morally corrupt, often engaging in unrighteous actions.[13]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Individuals who engage in morally wrong actions, often characterized by harmful behavior towards others.[14] (2) Individuals who possess negative traits and are precluded from participating in the decision-making process.[15] (3) People who are inclined to commit offenses and who are deterred by the fear of punishment as a control mechanism.[16]
From: Baudhayana Dharmasutra
(1) Men who, motivated by greed, engage in the immoral act of giving away daughters for a fee, leading to severe spiritual consequences.[17]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) Individuals who cause harm and unrest, often a consequence of Saturn's rule that leads to civil strife and loss.[18] (2) Individuals characterized by malevolence or immorality, mainly presided over by Saturn.[19]
From: Jarasandhavadha Mahakavyam
(1) The antagonists in the narrative, particularly referring to Jarasandha and his forces plotting against Krishna.[20]
From: Prem Sagar (English translation)
(1) Akrura's assessment of Duryodhana's court, where immoral actions and speeches abound.[21]
Jain concept of 'Wicked men'
In Jainism, "Wicked men" refers to individuals like Namuci, who commit harmful actions out of fear of retribution, highlighting the moral consequences of their behavior within this spiritual framework.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) A term describing individuals like Namuci who engage in harmful actions and fear retribution for their behavior.[22]
The concept of Wicked men in local and regional sources
"Wicked men" describes cruel pilgrims, immoral individuals transformed by kirtans, those whose actions harm humanity, and criminals facing Yama-raja's punishment, as seen in King Asoka's perspective on justice and morality.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) Individuals characterized by immoral behavior who, upon listening to Bhanudas' kirtans, experienced a transformation towards love.[23] (2) Refers to the pilgrims at the sacred place who are described as cruel and hard-hearted.[24]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) Individuals who have committed crimes and are met with punishment as dictated by Yama-raja and considered by King Asoka.[25] (2) Individuals whose immoral actions contribute to the degradation of mankind and the shortening of human lifespan.[26]